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The AFL is pleased to announce The Black Eyed Peas and Jimmy Barnes will feature in the Virgin Australia Pre-Game Show at the 2018 Toyota AFL Grand Final.

Legendary Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes will perform in the Virgin Australia Pre-Game Show as well as being the sole performer in the Virgin Australia Premiership Party after the match.

Fans without a ticket to the Toyota AFL Grand Final can gain free entry to the MCG to enjoy Jimmy Barnes’ performance in the Virgin Australia Premiership Party starting from 7.00pm AEST.

The Black Eyed Peas, consisting of members will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo, return to Australia for the first time since 2009 with their new single Big Love which launches today.

Jimmy Barnes said: “Looking forward to singing at one of the world’s greatest sporting events – the AFL Grand Final. It’s going to be a huge day on the ground at the MCG! It doesn’t get bigger than this – 100,000 passionate football fans and rock ‘n roll will be a great mix. Bring it on!”

The Black Eyed Peas said: “Australia! We are honoured to be heading to Melbourne to perform at the AFL Grand Final Day. This is the biggest day in Australian sport, so we will be pulling out all the stops for this special performance. See you soon!”

Joining Jimmy Barnes’ band on Toyota AFL Grand Final Day is one of Australia’s greatest guitarists, Diesel. One of those rare talents who has immense popular appeal and also a musician’s musician, Diesel is celebrating his 30-year career with a new album Diesel 30 – The Greatest Hits. The new album is jam-packed with songs known and loved Australia wide, and many that have found homes abroad.

The AFL is also pleased to announce Australian singer-songwriter Mahalia Barnes will perform the National Anthem on Toyota AFL Grand Final Day. Mahalia Barnes, with her powerful and soulful voice, will also take to the stage to perform at the 2018 Brownlow Medal Count Ceremony on Monday September 24.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said: “The Black Eyed Peas and Jimmy Barnes are the perfect entertainers for this year’s Virgin Australia Pre-Game Show on Toyota AFL Grand Final Day. Their music is synonymous with celebrations around the world – I’m sure they’ll get footy fans on their feet and excited in the lead up to the bounce.”

Jimmy Barnes will perform in the Virgin Australia Premiership Party, the FREE concert following Toyota AFL Grand Final, from 7.00pm on Saturday September 29 which will include the presentation of the 2018 AFL Premiers.

Half-time of the 2018 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be devoted to the twenty-two 2018 NAB AFL Auskickers of the Year nominees who will test out their AFL skills on the biggest stage of the year, along with the running of the Gatorade AFL Grand Final Sprint.

This year’s Toyota AFL Grand Final will once again see an array of activities throughout the day involving various members of the Australian Football community, the farewell to retiring players along with a host of other football identities. The Footy Festival will run from the Wednesday of Toyota AFL Grand Final Week until Grand Final Day in Yarra Park outside the MCG’s Gate 3.